Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – In response to Thailand's recent renewed accusations that Cambodia has planted new landmines near the "Treasure Mountain" (Phnom Throp) on the border, the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Agency (CMAA) issued a strong statement on November 25, firmly denying the Thai accusations and emphasizing that such accusations are completely unfounded. The CMAA pointed out that Thailand has not yet submitted any formal investigation report, nor has it initiated the joint verification procedure under the bilateral agreed mechanism.
The CMAA statement mentioned that the Thai military claimed that a landmine explosion on November 10 injured a Thai soldier and accused the landmine of being a newly laid PMN-2 type. Thailand even claimed that the so-called "ASEAN Observer Group" had confirmed the landmine type and possessed video footage of the landmine's laying on a Cambodian soldier's mobile phone.
However, Cambodia explicitly pointed out that the "evidence" claimed by Thailand lacked independent verification of technical reports, including unverified images or video materials; a lack of professional analysis reports of the explosion site; no Geographic Information System (GIS) data provided; and a lack of assessment reports from neutral third-party mine action organizations.
The CMAA emphasized that images or video materials could be tampered with and are insufficient as valid evidence on their own. Only independent and impartial verification by a joint working group can yield convincing conclusions.
Cambodia reiterated its commitment to the obligations stipulated in the Ottawa Convention and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of October 2025, its dedication to achieving a "mine-free future," and its support for professional, scientific, and impartial investigations into all mine incidents.
To thoroughly clarify the facts, the Cambodian Mine Action Agency strongly urged the immediate initiation of a joint investigation involving neutral international experts, and an evidence-based assessment conducted in accordance with established procedures within the ASEAN framework.
The CMAA also criticized Thailand's unilateral public accusations, pointing out that this action not only seriously damages mutual trust between the two countries and easily causes unnecessary confusion among the public, but also creates unnecessary obstacles to the ongoing professional investigation.
The CMAA statement concluded by emphasizing: "Cambodia is consistently committed to cooperating with Thailand in a peaceful and transparent manner to effectively safeguard the safety and well-being of the people of both Cambodia and Thailand."
